When I was in school, both high school and college, I loved to write - as long as I had something to write about. But I struggled with topics. If I had a topic I was passionate about the words just flowed. One of my favorite writing styles back then was comparison and contrast. It was always fun to find things that were polar opposites to write about, or even to reveal differences between things that looked alike, by using the comparison and contrast style of writing.
Thankfully, now that I have a place to put down my thoughts, I have been blessed with a great topic on which to opine. Even better, the topic is quite well suited to my favorite writing style. Unfortunately, I cannot use some of the usual analogies when writing on this particular subject. If I said "different as night and day" or the difference is "black and white", I would probably be labeled as a racist. So I will stick to saying that the positions our two candidates for president in this election support are as far apart as the East is from the West.
Yes, since the polls show the candidates in a virtual dead heat you may be surprised to know how far these two candidates differ on the issues, particularly when opinion polls reveal that the vast majority of Americans are still very conservative. Could it be that the people being polled are not aware of the position of the candidates? If you fall into that category perhaps I can help. Let's take a look at where each candidate stands. I will not be able to compare their stances on all issues, so please allow me the liberty to pick a few that are important to me. When I am finished, you can assess their positions and decide with which candidate you identify. Then, don't forget to vote based upon that knowledge. I only hope that you have an understanding of the issues because I will endeavor to state positions only and not insert any opinion on whether the current state of affairs is satisfactory or whether I agree with either candidate.
Senator Obama opposes public school vouchers preferring to allocate funds to our high quality, extremely successful, existing public school systems. (Our children are rated 18th out of 24 nations in quality of education). Senator McCain supports school vouchers so that parents can move their children from poorly performing public schools to private schools or charter schools, providing an equalizer for families that are not wealthy.
Senator McCain proposes a $2 billion dollar investment in clean coal technology, supports off shore drilling (not limited by the extreme restrictions imposed by the recent bill passed by the Democrat led Congress), favors a tax credit to Americans who buy zero carbon emission cars and selected a running mate who supports drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. He opposes a windfall tax on oil companies that provide products and jobs to the American people. He believes in a full spectrum plan that bridges the gap from where we are now to the time when we can provide a significant amount of our energy from renewable energy sources. Senator McCain also supports clean nuclear power. Senator Obama wants to concentrate on the future by investing $150 billion over the next ten years on alternative energy research and development. He also supports taxing of oil companies' windfall profits and proper inflation pressure in automobile tires. (Sorry, I could not resist.)
Senator McCain served our country as an officer in the United States Navy for twenty-two years. He supported the war in Iraq, but disagreed with the way President Bush executed the campaign. Senator McCain was the major proponent of the surge which has proven the turning point in the war. He has also served in the Senate for twenty-six years. Senator McCain has established relationships with foreign leaders around the world and is respected for his leadership. Senator McCain wants to bring our troops home from Iraq and Afghanistan in Victory. Senator Obama never served in the military. He has, however, served over two hundred days in the United States Senate. Senator Obama has threatened unilateral attacks on a nuclear Pakistan if that country fails to take action to stop terrorists. Senator Obama will meet with our enemies, notably the leaders of Iran, North Korea, Cuba and Venezuela, without precondition. Senator Obama did not support the surge, and refuses to state outright that the surge was the turning point in Iraq. Senator Obama wants to withdraw our troops on an arbitrary timetable not based upon the situation on the ground.
Senator Obama believes that more strict "common sense" gun laws will reduce gun violence. Senator McCain believes that our Second Amendment Right to bear arms must be protected. Both candidates support closing the "gun-show loophole" by requiring background checks at gun shows.
Senator McCain opposes abortion rights and would seek to overturn Roe v. Wade. He also believes life begins at conception. Senator Obama favors abortion rights and does not have an opinion on when life begins because it is above his pay grade.
Senator Obama believes that Supreme Court Justices should make court decisions based upon their value system. Senator McCain believes that Supreme Court Justices must make judicial decisions based upon the facts of the case and written law, meaning they do not legislate from the bench.
Senator McCain believes that the worst thing to do in a time of recession is raise taxes. He believes that lowering taxes, as proven by Reaganomics, increases investment, research and development, and jobs, and ultimately stimulates the economy and promotes growth. Senator Obama believes the economy can grow from the bottom up and wants to give tax breaks and tax credits to those who earn less than $250,000/year...or $200,000/year...or $150,000/year. Actually, today I heard it is $120,000/year. Senator Obama believes that if we give the less fortunate extra money they will spend our way to prosperity. Senator Obama will fund this plan by increasing taxes on wealthy Americans, large corporations and small businesses. He will suspend the capital gains tax for new start up businesses which should really help since the average start up does not earn any capital gains for the first five years anyway.
That wasn't as much fun as I thought it would be. In fact, it was quite dry and boring to write. There are many other issues and even these issues were given only cursory consideration. If you cannot make up your mind yet, or would like more information there are lots of places to look that are not filtered by the media. I suggest www.ontheissues.org or www.votesmart.org. Each of these will give you the facts on how the candidates have voted...or not voted.
For me, this exercise has been mundane. I already know who will receive my vote - a vote guaranteed by the Armed Forces which sacrifice daily to protect our rights and our way of life. I take my vote very seriously. It is critical that we all go to the polls armed with the conviction of our morals and values intact. Do not vote based upon anything but your values. Find the candidate that represents your values on the issues most important to you and support that candidate.
Perhaps tomorrow I will compare how the candidates stack up with the majority of the American people as determined by national polls. The results of that comparison may shock you.
For me the decision is easy. I will vote based upon the issue or issues to which I give highest priority. The government is charged with protecting Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. My decision can be made from that statement alone. I vote with the candidate who protects life!
Vote McCain/Palin on November 4th!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Compassionate Capitalism
Americans are recognized as the greatest givers in the world. Wherever there is a disaster, whether within our borders or anywhere else on the planet, whether an ally or enemy, American citizens step up to help. We help with finances. We help with supplies. We help by sending others. And we help by putting on our boots and gloves and digging in personally. Americans are generous with their time and their resources.
So what is it that makes Americans so generous? Is it because we all have so much wealth we have to give it away for a tax break? Is it so that we will feel good about ourselves? Is it so we can impress our neighbors? Without a doubt we all give for different reasons. And we all contribute to different causes. Some contribute to causes right in their own community while others feel compelled to contribute to causes around the world. But we give. Even those with little to give, share what they can. If they cannot share finances, they share time. Somehow, it is in our national DNA.
I do not claim to know the answer. I have no idea why so many Americans are so generous. What I do know is that we live in a country where we are blessed beyond measure. Perhaps we want to spread that wealth around. And it is our choice to do so. Each of us has the opportunity to choose how we share and what we share. Perhaps the answer lies somewhere in that freedom. When we are allowed to keep what we earn we have the option to share. When we are blessed with abundance we can bless others as well. And in blessing others, we are also blessed. I do know that societies that are not as free as we are do not have the capacity to give as generously we do. And I am also sure that if they had the same freedoms we have, and the same prosperity we enjoy, they would be generous too.
I think the key is the understanding that it is not about us. It is about being a part of this planet we call earth. It is about being a part of the global community. It is about recognizing that we can make a difference. We can make this world a better place. We appreciate that each one of us can contribute to something bigger than ourselves. In this self-seeking world we somehow understand that the sum of all of our parts is greater than the whole. And each and every American that gives of themselves is made better for having done so.
For me, the best part of giving is getting down in the trenches and getting eye to eye with those in need. The true joy comes in seeing the positive impact you can make on another life. It is the personal touch of being able to make a difference. I believe Americans should be able to decide where they give, how much they give, and how they give. It has worked for over two hundred years. It is not a government program. It is individuals, non-profit organizations, churches and neighbors recognizing where there is a true need and responding to it.
We have a free market society. This was the intent of our founding fathers. This free market society has produced the kind of personal wealth that provides the personal freedom to give to others. This is the future that the framers of our Constitution envisioned.
Count a blessing.
So what is it that makes Americans so generous? Is it because we all have so much wealth we have to give it away for a tax break? Is it so that we will feel good about ourselves? Is it so we can impress our neighbors? Without a doubt we all give for different reasons. And we all contribute to different causes. Some contribute to causes right in their own community while others feel compelled to contribute to causes around the world. But we give. Even those with little to give, share what they can. If they cannot share finances, they share time. Somehow, it is in our national DNA.
I do not claim to know the answer. I have no idea why so many Americans are so generous. What I do know is that we live in a country where we are blessed beyond measure. Perhaps we want to spread that wealth around. And it is our choice to do so. Each of us has the opportunity to choose how we share and what we share. Perhaps the answer lies somewhere in that freedom. When we are allowed to keep what we earn we have the option to share. When we are blessed with abundance we can bless others as well. And in blessing others, we are also blessed. I do know that societies that are not as free as we are do not have the capacity to give as generously we do. And I am also sure that if they had the same freedoms we have, and the same prosperity we enjoy, they would be generous too.
I think the key is the understanding that it is not about us. It is about being a part of this planet we call earth. It is about being a part of the global community. It is about recognizing that we can make a difference. We can make this world a better place. We appreciate that each one of us can contribute to something bigger than ourselves. In this self-seeking world we somehow understand that the sum of all of our parts is greater than the whole. And each and every American that gives of themselves is made better for having done so.
For me, the best part of giving is getting down in the trenches and getting eye to eye with those in need. The true joy comes in seeing the positive impact you can make on another life. It is the personal touch of being able to make a difference. I believe Americans should be able to decide where they give, how much they give, and how they give. It has worked for over two hundred years. It is not a government program. It is individuals, non-profit organizations, churches and neighbors recognizing where there is a true need and responding to it.
We have a free market society. This was the intent of our founding fathers. This free market society has produced the kind of personal wealth that provides the personal freedom to give to others. This is the future that the framers of our Constitution envisioned.
Count a blessing.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Not My Father's America
I am becoming more and more convinced that, no matter which candidate wins the presidency, we lose. I have not come to this conclusion because I do not believe at least one of the parties would bring real change, and the right change, to Washington. This sense of despair is based upon the attitudes displayed by the American people.
Everywhere I look I am dismayed by the dialogue between supporters of the opposing candidates. Whether on television, on the streets, or in the blogs I see an increasing amount of animosity - no - outright hostility! Why can't we have a discussion about the issues without resorting to juvenile name-calling? I know. Many of you will blame the campaigns. Since the candidates themselves have resorted to negativity, so shall we. So who is responsible for your behavior? We all want the same thing - the best for America. We may not agree on who has the best ideas to provide the leadership. But we should let our common goal unite us rather than our difference of philosophy divide us.
My opinion is that those who resort to the personal attacks are the uninformed supporters. Since they do not know or understand the issues they insult their adversaries. The most frightening implication of this thought is that this is the same way a vast majority of Americans exercise their right to vote. They "like" one of the candidates, perhaps because he or she is more like them or they are angry at the other party. But along with the right to vote comes a greater responsibility. If we are to entertain any hope that we will elect leaders that are really equipped to govern effectively, and make the decisions upon which our economy, the security of our nation, and the future of our children depend, we must become an educated electorate. If we plan to go to the polls to vote by the way we feel, the nation would certainly be better off if we just stayed home.
The information is out there. A good place to start is with voting records. This source is totally objective and cannot be changed by the presenter. The candidate either voted for or against an issue - or perhaps present. But the vote is a fact and cannot be distorted by the media.
Further, an informed voter will be able to debate with another informed voter regarding the issues. Mature dialogue is the only way one can convince or persuade another. Name-calling only widens the gap. Calling another individual a moron or fascist because they do not agree with your point of view will only alienate them and increase feelings of hostility - and guarantee they will not vote with you!
I am sure that I feel as strongly, perhaps more strongly, about the candidate that I support as any supporter of either candidate. But my conviction is based upon an understanding of the issues and the knowledge of where the candidates stand on the issues. I welcome the opportunity to discuss the issues with anyone regardless of which candidate they support. Unfortunately, I have not been very successful at finding many who have done enough real research to carry on this conversation. So I have been called every name in the book, and not without expletives.
I am very discouraged about the future of our country if we cannot get along amicably with one another. If the climate in America does not change neither candidate will be able to unify this nation after the election.
Our founding fathers provided us with the opportunity to select our leaders - a government of the people, for the people and by the people.
Count a blessing - and a curse!
Everywhere I look I am dismayed by the dialogue between supporters of the opposing candidates. Whether on television, on the streets, or in the blogs I see an increasing amount of animosity - no - outright hostility! Why can't we have a discussion about the issues without resorting to juvenile name-calling? I know. Many of you will blame the campaigns. Since the candidates themselves have resorted to negativity, so shall we. So who is responsible for your behavior? We all want the same thing - the best for America. We may not agree on who has the best ideas to provide the leadership. But we should let our common goal unite us rather than our difference of philosophy divide us.
My opinion is that those who resort to the personal attacks are the uninformed supporters. Since they do not know or understand the issues they insult their adversaries. The most frightening implication of this thought is that this is the same way a vast majority of Americans exercise their right to vote. They "like" one of the candidates, perhaps because he or she is more like them or they are angry at the other party. But along with the right to vote comes a greater responsibility. If we are to entertain any hope that we will elect leaders that are really equipped to govern effectively, and make the decisions upon which our economy, the security of our nation, and the future of our children depend, we must become an educated electorate. If we plan to go to the polls to vote by the way we feel, the nation would certainly be better off if we just stayed home.
The information is out there. A good place to start is with voting records. This source is totally objective and cannot be changed by the presenter. The candidate either voted for or against an issue - or perhaps present. But the vote is a fact and cannot be distorted by the media.
Further, an informed voter will be able to debate with another informed voter regarding the issues. Mature dialogue is the only way one can convince or persuade another. Name-calling only widens the gap. Calling another individual a moron or fascist because they do not agree with your point of view will only alienate them and increase feelings of hostility - and guarantee they will not vote with you!
I am sure that I feel as strongly, perhaps more strongly, about the candidate that I support as any supporter of either candidate. But my conviction is based upon an understanding of the issues and the knowledge of where the candidates stand on the issues. I welcome the opportunity to discuss the issues with anyone regardless of which candidate they support. Unfortunately, I have not been very successful at finding many who have done enough real research to carry on this conversation. So I have been called every name in the book, and not without expletives.
I am very discouraged about the future of our country if we cannot get along amicably with one another. If the climate in America does not change neither candidate will be able to unify this nation after the election.
Our founding fathers provided us with the opportunity to select our leaders - a government of the people, for the people and by the people.
Count a blessing - and a curse!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays
Why are retailers afraid to use "Merry Christmas"? It is amazing to me that the demographic that stands to benefit the most from the "Christmas" holiday is the demographic that has a problem with Christmas. Retailers across the country are once again refusing to use the expression "Merry Christmas". I visited the Home Depot web site today and found that I could search for, and find, Hanukkah decorations, but when I searched on "Christmas" I came up with nothing. I called their 800 number and asked about this. The customer care associate read a scripted statement to me over the phone. Clearly they have already had a lot of people call in regarding the issue or they would not have a prepared statement. The text the associate read stated that the word Christmas is used in the stores at the point of sale where the customer would find the Christmas decorations. However, the Home Depot chooses not to use the word Christmas, preferring Happy Holidays, in their marketing and advertising. Are they afraid of driving away Christmas shopping customers if they call it Christmas?
It is true that Christmas is not the only holiday celebrated at this time of year. The "holiday" decorations that are already appearing on the shelves of stores include everything from Halloween and Thanksgiving, to Hanukkah and Christmas. But stores do not have any problem calling Halloween Halloween, Thanksgiving Thanksgiving, or Hanukkah Hanukkah. Why then is Christmas a "holiday"? Given that our country was founded on Judeo-Christian principles (see Endowed by the Creator), and that a vast majority of Americans still identify themselves as Christians, it is difficult to understand why the Christian holiday is the one under attack. The truth is that Christmas is under attack by a very small minority of the citizens of America. But for some reason retailers, city managers and countless individuals are afraid of this minority and will not stand up for the values with which they were raised. This phenomenon is much farther reaching than just the Christmas issue and will be explored in future posts.
For now though, I must return to the question with which this post began. Why are retailers afraid to use "Merry Christmas"? I submit it is not because Christmas is a Christian holiday! In fact, although historically Christmas is a Christian holiday, certainly today it is more of a secular holiday. I guarantee that non-Christians will take the day off, put up a "Christmas" tree, and give each other "Christmas" gifts. They don't even call them "Holiday" gifts! They call them Christmas gifts. And where do Americans get their Christmas gifts? They purchase them from retailers. So who benefits the most from Christmas? Right - Retailers!
The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Even those who do not believe Jesus is the Son of God believe he was an actual historical figure. Though they may not stake their eternal salvation on Him, they count their calendar based on the year of his birth. Even if they do not believe He is the only way to heaven, most acknowledge he was a good man and a good teacher. Even the prophet Muhammed insisted that Jesus was one of a short list of the great prophets and that His teachings should be respected and followed. So why can't we say "Merry Christmas"?
Because it is a choice. But in this case, the majority of Americans are not making the choice. Rather the majority of Americans are allowing a minority of Americans to make the choice for them. A small minority of Americans have a problem with "Merry Christmas". So retailers, who benefit more from the Christmas holiday than anyone else, refuse to say "Merry Christmas". Cities, the majority of whose citizens still identify themselves as Christians, will not allow the traditional Nativity Scene to be displayed on public property unless equal space is allocated for other religious holiday displays - even if no other religions have a traditional display to erect. Schools, who should be teaching students about all different peoples, cultures and traditions, as well as tolerance of the differences, are intimidated into not celebrating one of the oldest traditions in our great nation.
In America the constitution guarantees us freedom of choice. We are promised that we can worship our God in the way we see fit without fear of persecution. But apparently this holds true only within the privacy of our own home or our own church if we are Christians. The very guarantees of our constitution have allowed the few to intimidate the many. Shame on the authorities, whether private or public, who have allowed this to happen. Shame on the majority of Americans who allow their rights to be trampled. Shame on any lawmaker who rules that it is illegal to speak out in a demonstration of our faith!
We have freedom of religion. Count a blessing.
Some have exercised that freedom to the detriment of others. Count a curse.
Oh......and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
It is true that Christmas is not the only holiday celebrated at this time of year. The "holiday" decorations that are already appearing on the shelves of stores include everything from Halloween and Thanksgiving, to Hanukkah and Christmas. But stores do not have any problem calling Halloween Halloween, Thanksgiving Thanksgiving, or Hanukkah Hanukkah. Why then is Christmas a "holiday"? Given that our country was founded on Judeo-Christian principles (see Endowed by the Creator), and that a vast majority of Americans still identify themselves as Christians, it is difficult to understand why the Christian holiday is the one under attack. The truth is that Christmas is under attack by a very small minority of the citizens of America. But for some reason retailers, city managers and countless individuals are afraid of this minority and will not stand up for the values with which they were raised. This phenomenon is much farther reaching than just the Christmas issue and will be explored in future posts.
For now though, I must return to the question with which this post began. Why are retailers afraid to use "Merry Christmas"? I submit it is not because Christmas is a Christian holiday! In fact, although historically Christmas is a Christian holiday, certainly today it is more of a secular holiday. I guarantee that non-Christians will take the day off, put up a "Christmas" tree, and give each other "Christmas" gifts. They don't even call them "Holiday" gifts! They call them Christmas gifts. And where do Americans get their Christmas gifts? They purchase them from retailers. So who benefits the most from Christmas? Right - Retailers!
The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Even those who do not believe Jesus is the Son of God believe he was an actual historical figure. Though they may not stake their eternal salvation on Him, they count their calendar based on the year of his birth. Even if they do not believe He is the only way to heaven, most acknowledge he was a good man and a good teacher. Even the prophet Muhammed insisted that Jesus was one of a short list of the great prophets and that His teachings should be respected and followed. So why can't we say "Merry Christmas"?
Because it is a choice. But in this case, the majority of Americans are not making the choice. Rather the majority of Americans are allowing a minority of Americans to make the choice for them. A small minority of Americans have a problem with "Merry Christmas". So retailers, who benefit more from the Christmas holiday than anyone else, refuse to say "Merry Christmas". Cities, the majority of whose citizens still identify themselves as Christians, will not allow the traditional Nativity Scene to be displayed on public property unless equal space is allocated for other religious holiday displays - even if no other religions have a traditional display to erect. Schools, who should be teaching students about all different peoples, cultures and traditions, as well as tolerance of the differences, are intimidated into not celebrating one of the oldest traditions in our great nation.
In America the constitution guarantees us freedom of choice. We are promised that we can worship our God in the way we see fit without fear of persecution. But apparently this holds true only within the privacy of our own home or our own church if we are Christians. The very guarantees of our constitution have allowed the few to intimidate the many. Shame on the authorities, whether private or public, who have allowed this to happen. Shame on the majority of Americans who allow their rights to be trampled. Shame on any lawmaker who rules that it is illegal to speak out in a demonstration of our faith!
We have freedom of religion. Count a blessing.
Some have exercised that freedom to the detriment of others. Count a curse.
Oh......and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Endowed by the Creator
There are many citizens today who believe there is no truth to the idea that America was established upon Judeo-Christian principles. However, the authors of our Declaration of Independence used the phrase "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights". I do not believe they chose their words carelessly. After all, this declaration was a very bold statement which put all the signers and even their families at great risk. I believe they chose their words very carefully before they announced their intent to the world. But the Christian heritage of this country goes back even further, to the very beginnings of the history of our great nation. The proposition that the Christian God is the one true God is not the purpose of this post. My objective is simply to state that one can deny our Christian heritage steadfastly and repeatedly. But this does nothing to change the facts. One can rewrite the history books. But this in no way changes history itself.
The facts are clear, and the facts are irrefutable. Our country was founded by colonists fleeing religious and political persecution in their homelands. Most of these colonists were Protestant rather than Roman Catholic. Religion was not their sole motivation. Certainly expansion of territory and maritime commerce provided funding for the original explorers who first set foot in the New World. But the colonists who came here to establish a new life were driven by the desire to worship unfettered by the constraints of the Old World Church. It is not my intent to provide exhaustive evidence of this here. This evidence may be found easily enough by anyone with the desire for the truth. However, a few examples will serve well at this point.
The original charter of the Virginia Colony in Jamestown stated that one of the principal purposes of the colony was "under the providence of Almighty God, might tend to the glory of his Divine Majesty in propagating the Christian religion to such people as yet live in darkness and miserable ignorance of the true knowledge and worship of God". In fact, male colonists were taxed to pay the yearly salary of the clergy. Further, by law each plantation was required to have a room or house established strictly for worship, and attendance at worship was required.
The colonists who established the Plymouth Colony signed a compact before debarking from the Mayflower. In this compact we can read the following words today: "In the name of God, Amen. We whose names are underwritten...having undertaken, for the glory of God and advancement of the Christian faith...".
The first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, John Winthrop wrote the following words to his father: "I shall call that my country where I may most glorify God and enjoy the presence of my dearest friends. Therefore herein I submit myself to God's will and yours, and dedicate myself to God and the company with the whole endeavors both of body and of mind".
These brief glimpses into the minds of the early colonists are repeated again and again in the historical documentation of each and every colony. These hardy pioneers were girded by their faith in the Almighty, and they established rules and routines that reflected their values. Their faith provided them the strength and the motivation that carried them through the colonial period and saw them successfully through to the time of the founding of this nation.
So, you may say, what difference does this make to me today? It is the twenty-first century and our country is comprised of citizens from every faith on the face of the earth. There are many citizens who deny the existence of the Almighty entirely. There are many citizens who say we cannot know whether or not a God exists. There are many citizens who argue that we are no longer a Christian nation. Though history leaves no doubt that the founders of our country were Christian, the constitution adopted by the framers makes it possible for all of us to live together peacefully and respectfully.
Count a blessing.
The facts are clear, and the facts are irrefutable. Our country was founded by colonists fleeing religious and political persecution in their homelands. Most of these colonists were Protestant rather than Roman Catholic. Religion was not their sole motivation. Certainly expansion of territory and maritime commerce provided funding for the original explorers who first set foot in the New World. But the colonists who came here to establish a new life were driven by the desire to worship unfettered by the constraints of the Old World Church. It is not my intent to provide exhaustive evidence of this here. This evidence may be found easily enough by anyone with the desire for the truth. However, a few examples will serve well at this point.
The original charter of the Virginia Colony in Jamestown stated that one of the principal purposes of the colony was "under the providence of Almighty God, might tend to the glory of his Divine Majesty in propagating the Christian religion to such people as yet live in darkness and miserable ignorance of the true knowledge and worship of God". In fact, male colonists were taxed to pay the yearly salary of the clergy. Further, by law each plantation was required to have a room or house established strictly for worship, and attendance at worship was required.
The colonists who established the Plymouth Colony signed a compact before debarking from the Mayflower. In this compact we can read the following words today: "In the name of God, Amen. We whose names are underwritten...having undertaken, for the glory of God and advancement of the Christian faith...".
The first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, John Winthrop wrote the following words to his father: "I shall call that my country where I may most glorify God and enjoy the presence of my dearest friends. Therefore herein I submit myself to God's will and yours, and dedicate myself to God and the company with the whole endeavors both of body and of mind".
These brief glimpses into the minds of the early colonists are repeated again and again in the historical documentation of each and every colony. These hardy pioneers were girded by their faith in the Almighty, and they established rules and routines that reflected their values. Their faith provided them the strength and the motivation that carried them through the colonial period and saw them successfully through to the time of the founding of this nation.
So, you may say, what difference does this make to me today? It is the twenty-first century and our country is comprised of citizens from every faith on the face of the earth. There are many citizens who deny the existence of the Almighty entirely. There are many citizens who say we cannot know whether or not a God exists. There are many citizens who argue that we are no longer a Christian nation. Though history leaves no doubt that the founders of our country were Christian, the constitution adopted by the framers makes it possible for all of us to live together peacefully and respectfully.
Count a blessing.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Where to begin
As Americans we are blessed with freedoms no other country on earth can claim. It has been argued by most that this is always a good thing. I would argue, however, that it is not always good. All the benefits that these freedoms provide are offset by consequences of the same. It is up to the citizens of the nation to determine whether the blessings outweigh the curses. Our Founding Fathers established this country as the land of the free. Their Declaration of Independence from the tyranny of their homelands spoke of unalienable rights endowed by the Creator. It is the question of what these rights are, and how far they extend that quite often becomes the curse. The blessing of these rights can be guaranteed to all only if all share a common moral and ethical foundation. When the citizens of the nation do not share such common beliefs, the system breaks down.
We are all different. We all have different backgrounds. We hail from different cultures. We adhere to different faith systems, or have no faith at all. So how do we, as a nation, survive when we are so different? If we do not share the same moral and ethical foundation how can we agree on what is good for all? How do we determine what rights are unalienable? If we fail to answer such questions we cease to be the United States of America. And if we cease to be the United States, we soon will no longer be The Land of the Free!
We are all different. We all have different backgrounds. We hail from different cultures. We adhere to different faith systems, or have no faith at all. So how do we, as a nation, survive when we are so different? If we do not share the same moral and ethical foundation how can we agree on what is good for all? How do we determine what rights are unalienable? If we fail to answer such questions we cease to be the United States of America. And if we cease to be the United States, we soon will no longer be The Land of the Free!
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